On Thu, 5 Feb 2004 12:42:55 -0800, "Chosp" wrote:

Picking up and confirming a signal from another civilization (whether
intentionally directed at us or not) would be, by far, the most
electrifying, galvanizing event in history.

That it sure would, but I have always wondered what they would do if
they picked up a signal, not transmitted to us, but instead some
distant star system behind us?

This would of course indicate two civilizations (beyond remote
scouting), where I can only guess that they would try and contact the
closest point. Not that it would be polite to interrupt a
conversation.

Still, I do consider SETI's chances as extremely slim, when if aliens
did know of a faster way to deliver a message, then they sure would
make use of it.

We are still near the bottom of the technology curve, when who can say
what everyone will be using in the future?

Then of course SETI still has to make best use of what they already
can do, which are all factors of why I don't expect alien
communication within my lifetime.

Cardman
http://www.cardman.com
http://www.cardman.co.uk